k.orr

Who can suggest the best, and easiest, method of removing old Solarfilm to allow application of new covering.

kdc

Lift the edge of the Solarfilm with a scalpel and peel it off any way you can!
The real problem is re-covering because any heat draws up the oil in the balsa on a power model. Apply talcum powder and leave for a few weeks and then scrape off the oil & talc. Maybe do it a second time. Use Kleenex tissues and a hot iron to draw out any remaining oil. keep the same colour to save problems. Consider using a dope & tissue ( or nylon ) finish to recover as it will not draw the oil out like a heat shrink finish. Its easy - and if you have never tried doped nylon an old model is the place to try it out.

k.orr

Thanks for information, which is better- dope and tissue or nylon and just how difficult is it to apply (I do find solafilm or solartex quite easy) but have often thought of these other methods. I presume you just paint finished tissue or nylon.

kdc

Not much difference in ease of use between tissue and nylon. Choose on basis of the strength required. Fus and sheeted surfaces -use tissue or nylon, open framework wings etc use nylon.

Dope the model first and let dry. If you soak the tissue or nylon in cold water and gently wring out the excess, the tissue or nylon will cling like a magnet to balsa. Apply the dope onto/through wet tissue or nylon- yes it does work and it evaporates the water. Or you can apply dry. Beware of warping open frame structures.